The aircraft flame-retardant films market seems resilient with attractive growth opportunities in the entire ecosystem of the market in years to come. The market for aircraft flame-retardant films is forecasted to grow at an impressive rate over the next five years to reach an estimated value of US$ 331.1 million in 2024. An organic growth of the aircraft production, rising aircraft fleet size, and stringent regulations regarding passenger safety are the primary drivers for flame-retardant films in the aircraft industry.

Aircraft Flame-Retardant Films Market – Insights by Aircraft Type:

The market is segmented into commercial aircraft, military aircraft, regional aircraft, general aviation, and helicopter. Commercial aircraft is likely to remain the most dominant and fastest-growing segment of the market during the forecast period. Increasing production rates of key programs, such as B737 and A320 family, to support rising passenger traffic; market entry of new players such as COMAC; and introduction of the fuel-efficient variants of existing aircraft programs, such as B737 max, and A320neo, are the major factors driving the demand for flame-retardant films in the commercial aircraft segment.

Aircraft Flame-Retardant Films Market – Insights by Material Type

The market is segmented into polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide (PI), and others. PEEK film is expected to remain the dominant and fastest-growing segment of the market during the forecast period. PEEK films exhibit better properties, such as good permeation barrier, low-moisture absorption, excellent wear and abrasion resistance, and low smoke and toxic gas emission. All these properties of PEEK films have led to its wide acceptance as flame-retardant material in the aircraft industry.

Aircraft Flame-Retardant Films Market – Insights by Region

North America is projected to remain the largest market for aircraft flame-retardant films during the forecast period. The USA is the growth engine of the region’s market and has the largest fleets of military aircraft and one of the largest fleets of commercial aircraft in the world. The presence of all major aircraft OEMs, tier players, aircraft flame-retardant film suppliers, and raw material suppliers are primarily driving the flame-retardant films market in the country.

Asia-Pacific is likely to witness the highest growth during the same period, driven by a host of factors including increasing demand for commercial aircraft to support rising passenger traffic, opening of assembly plants of Boeing and Airbus in China, and upcoming indigenous commercial and regional aircraft (COMAC C919 and Mitsubishi MRJ).

The supply chain of this market comprises raw material suppliers, flame-retardant film manufacturers, thermal acoustic insulation system manufacturers, distributors, OEMs, airlines, aircraft leasing companies, and MRO companies. The key players in the aircraft flame-retardant films market are E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Solvay S. A. and Victrex Plc. Development of high-performance flame-retardant films, expansion in untapped and growing markets, and execution of mergers & acquisitions are the key strategies adopted by the major players to gain a competitive edge in the market.